Porto, Portugal – The⁣ trial ‍of ⁤25 individuals allegedly⁢ involved ⁣in⁢ two separate drug trafficking⁤ organizations – dubbed “Dragon” and “Simon” – commenced today at the São João Novo Court.‍ The ⁣defendants are⁤ accused of operating​ highly structured criminal enterprises resembling ⁣legitimate businesses.

according⁤ to the ⁣prosecution’s indictment, the “Dragon” network ⁢was managed by a ⁢couple, Tiago and Andreia, ⁤while the “Simon” network was overseen by a mother-son duo, marisa and David. Prosecutors allege both organizations featured ‍hierarchical structures, defined⁣ roles, fixed working hours, and​ regular‍ internal checks – mirroring ⁤corporate management practices.

The defendants were initially detained in July 2024 following a police operation (PSP) conducted across the Pasteleira Nova, Pasteleira​ Velha, and Pinheiro Torres neighborhoods⁤ of Porto. ⁢ All 25 defendants exercised their right to remain silent during today’s proceedings, limiting their responses to identification and denials of the nicknames⁤ attributed to them ​by the prosecution.

The presiding judge reportedly expressed​ skepticism regarding the prosecution’s⁤ use of nicknames, stating, ⁤”The Public Prosecution Service ​has ​been tightened ‌to ‍invent nicknames.”

The trial is expected to continue tomorrow morning with the presentation​ of witness testimony.